FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Karl Eggers, Liberty Minnesota

Phone: 248-514-3909
Email: EggersK@LibertyMinnesota.com

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Minnesotans Overwhelmingly Support Improved Electronic

Data Privacy Protections, New Survey Finds

ST. PAUL, Minn. (Feb. 26, 2015) The vast majority of Minnesotans want their
electronic data protected from unreasonable searches by the government, according to
results of a new survey released today by the Republican Liberty Caucus of Minnesota and
Liberty Minnesota.
The survey of 500 diverse Minnesotans shows that most think the government should not
be able to view their phone data, pictures and emails, or store location and travel data,
without probable cause. In addition, two-thirds of Minnesotans would support a
constitutional amendment on the 2016 election ballet that reinforces the protection of
electronic data against unreasonable search. The survey was conducted by Public Policy
Polling on Feb. 24-25.
Survey highlights include:
85% of respondents think the government should be not able to view their phone data,
pictures and emails without probable cause
66% of respondents support a constitutional amendment that spells out privacy protections
for electronic data (including 86% support with 18-29 yr olds)
An overwhelming majority of both Democrats and Republicans surveyed support
protecting electronic data from unreasonable search
The legislature is currently considering SF 32, the Data Privacy Amendment authored by
Senator Branden Petersen (R-Andover) and Senator Scott Dibble (D-Minneapolis). The bill
is authored in the House by Rep. Peggy Scott (R-Andover) and Rep. John Lesch (D-St.
Paul). The bill has support from a diverse coalition that includes the Minnesota ACLU,
Occupy Minnesota, the Minnesota Tea Party Alliance, and the Republican Party of
Minnesota.
In an era of warrantless NSA spying, its great to see the people of Minnesota stand up
against government invasion of their data privacy without probable cause, said Neil
Lynch, chair of the Republican Liberty Caucus of Minnesota. We believe this survey
reinforces the efforts of Senator Petersen and other legislators as they fight for our Fourth
Amendment rights at the state level.
Liberty Minnesota Executive Director Karl Eggers added, Men, women, Republicans,
Democrats, Millennials, Senior Citizens everyone wants the government out of their
electronic data. Our political leaders would be foolish to go against virtually every
demographic by opposing this bill. Liberty Minnesota is proud to join Senator Petersen and
as this survey shows almost all of Minnesota in strengthening our states legal

protections of private electronic data.

State Senator Branden Petersen stated, This poll sends a clear message to policymakers in
St. Paul that Minnesotans wish to live free of government intrusion into their privacy,
including their digital devices and data.

About the Republican Liberty Caucus

Founded in 1991, the Republican Liberty Caucus works to advance the Republican
principles of individual liberty, limited government, and free market economics through
education, advocacy, and endorsing and supporting candidates for public office. The
Minnesota chapter of the Republican Liberty Caucus, founded in 2003, is a registered
affiliate of the Republican Party of Minnesota, and has 29 endorsed candidates currently
serving in the state legislature. Learn more about the Caucus at RLCMinnesota.org.
About Liberty Minnesota
Liberty Minnesota is a grassroots organization comprised of libertarian and conservative
activists who work to protect individual liberties and promote economic freedom in
Minnesota. Liberty Minnesota is a political fund registered with the state of Minnesota.
More information can be found at LibertyMinnesota.com.
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